We’re still hooting over the Today show’s overwrought segment on toddler rages that includes a list of warning signs that your child might be having a temper tantrum. The list – which includes flushed cheeks, pounding heart, louder voice, rapid breathing and clenched hands – somehow omits “throws self on floor and pounds feet” and “screams loudly enough to summon shoppers from the other end of the mall.” Puh-leeze, is there anyone on the planet who doesn’t know a tantrum when they see one?

Better: the show’s list of suggestions on what to do after you’ve finally figured out that your toddler is indeed having a meltdown. The list includes anticipating a tantrum’s triggers – fatigue, for example, and hunger – and heading it off at the pass, keeping your cool, using a firm voice, distracting the child, and removing the child from the public eye. What tantrum-calming tricks have you used successfully?

No Responses to “TODDLER Tantrum Time”

Slow news day or something?
I realize the Today Show isn’t exactly hard hitting news but this seemed a little shallow even for them.

Tantrum calming tricks?
—bribery (“Who wants ice cream?”)
—leave the store and sit in the car until it passes
—my favorite: fake an injury to myself — I’ll pretend to suffer a head injury and if it’s convincing my daughter will stop her crying and check on me.